Zilber Family Foundation
Press Release

Zilber Family Foundation Welcomes Ana Simpson to Board of Directors

Community leader brings decades of economic development and nonprofit expertise to advance Foundation’s mission

By - Aug 26th, 2025 09:14 am

MILWAUKEE – The Zilber Family Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ana Simpson to its board of directors. Her longstanding dedication to community development will further the Foundation’s efforts to increase safe, affordable housing and access to cash and capital in our community. The Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to one of its founding board members, James Janz, who completed his board term after 20 years of service.

“As the Foundation moves forward with its new strategic plan, launched earlier this year, Ana’s deep experience in community development supports the Foundation’s efforts to increase access to social and economic opportunity and improve quality of life in our communities, ” said Zilber Family Foundation Executive Director Lianna Bishop. “We’re grateful for the many contributions James made to the Foundation, and we look forward to the impact Ana will make in our work.”

Simpson brings nearly 30 years of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, community and economic development, corporate banking and insurance to the board. As chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, she leads a $10 million annual operation serving thousands of girls across southeastern Wisconsin, empowering them with the courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. She has previously served as director of community and economic development at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, where she secured millions in philanthropic support and spearheaded initiatives to close racial and economic disparities statewide. Her appointment builds on her earlier contributions to the Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, where her community input helped shape quality-of-life plans. Her leadership and work has been recognized with honors including “Women of Influence” in 2024 by the Milwaukee Business Journal and ”One of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Latino Leaders” in 2022 by Madison365.

“The work of the Zilber Family Foundation is more important now than ever before,“ said Simpson. “I look forward to collaborating with Foundation leadership and fellow board members to strengthen communities by expanding opportunities, aligning resources, and supporting our nonprofit partners for lasting impact.”

To learn more about the Zilber Family Foundation, visit: www.zilberfamilyfoundation.org.

About the Zilber Family Foundation:

Formed in 1961 by Joseph J. Zilber, a philanthropist and businessman, the Zilber Family Foundation is a private independent grantmaking institution dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods by supporting nonprofits to address basic needs and personal safety, increase access to social and economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. For more information, please visit: www.zilberfamilyfoundation.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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